I only ever thought it was a dusty/damp home that could be bad for my lungs, but now I realise that the sweet smell of “home” could be having a real big effect on my health.(see this article in Treehugger ) Everything from furniture to cleaning products or even not opening the window regularly can lead to a scarily high level of pollutants floating around in the air I breath.

Pollution from power plants, cars, and other transportation is a well-known contributor to outdoor air pollution, but indoor air pollution is often worse; it can be up to 10 times worse for you than the air outside. Microbial pollutants like mold, pet dander and plant pollen can combine with chemicals like radon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to create a pretty toxic environment in your home; since we spend an average of 90% of our time indoors and 65% of our time inside our homes, according to the National Safety Council that can add up to allergies, asthma and worse.

Have you ever noticed the smell of your furniture? I can pick out that distinct MDF and chipboard smell anywhere. That smell comes from those materials, along with the varnishes and glues used in a lot of furniture, releasing VOCs into your home atmosphere. There is now a movement in the design/manufacturing industry to develop healthier products. By being more responsible about the materials we use, and staying away from materials like MDF, we can dramatically reduce the amount of chemicals being released into the air. At Pli, we have developed our Grass and Hoop Series of furniture using binders, glues, and finishes specifically sourced because of the non-toxic qualities. Less toxins means a step towards a healthier home.